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70+ Kid-Friendly Crafts for the Holidays

Need something to keep the wee ones from complaining about being bored? Try one of these super, simple crafts ideas!

With the weather now colder and daylight hours fewer and farther between, you’re going to need more ideas than just going the the park to keep the little ones occupied. So why not plan some great kid-friendly holiday crafts for them to do? Most of these they can even do—dare we say it?—unsupervised. You could even invite another mom over with her littles, make a crafting party for them and sit back, sip your coffee (or wine… or whatever) and enjoy seeing the children at work. Who knows? It might become a yearly tradition.

<h1>Gorgeous Gold Holiday Wreath</h1><br/><br />
<p>Strike gold this holiday season with a simple and elegant DIY Christmas wreath. You can make it for less than $20!</p><br />
<p>Get the Instructions: <a href="https://canadianfamily.ca/holiday-gift-guide-2017/gold-christmas-wreath/" target="_blank">Thumbtack Wreath</a></p>

<h1>Use Up Winter Leftovers with Glove Toys</h1><br/><br />
<p>These cute glove pals are sure to become your child’s favourite toy in no time, and making them will help promote fine motor skills!</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/craft-kid-glove-toys/">DIY Glove Toys</a></p>

<h1>Create A Warm Glow</h1><br/><br />
<p>Want to change up the mood of your home by adding a subtle touch of decor without breaking the bank? Well, we have a craft idea for you!</p><br />
<p> Get the directions here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/diy-decor-idea-pretty-patterned-votives/" target="_blank">Pretty Patterned Votives </a> </p><br/>

<h1>Rosemary Wreath</h1><br/><br />
<p>Make the sweetest smelling first impression with a savoury-scented wreath of <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/holiday-decor-diy-rosemary-wreath/" target="_blank">rosemary on your front door or even on bedroom doors. </a>

<h1>Make Candleholders from Wax and Balloons</h1> <br />
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<p>Add some sparkle and shine with these DIY candle holders made from wax. They're so simple you'll make dozens.</p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/candleholders-made-of-wax-and-balloons/">Candleholders from Wax and Balloons</a></p>

<h1>Unique DIY Bookends</h1><br/><br />
<p>Get kids talking about their favourite reads while you repurpose old toys into these awesome bookends.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/how-to-make-unique-diy-bookends/">How To Make Unique Bookends</a></p><br />

<h1>Make Paint Chip Bookmarks</h1><br />
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We think this project is perfect for adults and kids alike, as kiddos can really put their imaginations to work and decorate their bookmarks with stickers, doodles and just about anything else they’d like. And the best part? If your bookmark gets lost, you can replace it for less than a dollar. We like the sound of that.<br />
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<br/><b>Get the instructions: </b><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2012/01/a-budget-friendly-craft-for-bookworms-paint-chip-bookmarks/">Paint Chip Bookmarks</a>

<p><h1>Start a Personalized Memory Bunting</h1></p><br />
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<p>Preserve the memories of your child's old clothes by sewing fabric from each piece into a triangle and attaching them to a length of ribbon. </p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/upcycle-your-childs-favourite-dresses-into-a-beautiful-diy-pennant-banner/"target="_blank">Get the instructions</a></p>

<h1>Make Suncatchers</h1><br/><br />
<p>Help wee ones work on scissor skills and colour recognition with these easy (and beautiful!) butterfly suncatchers. They’ll look great in any window!</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-your-own-butterfly-suncatchers/">How To Make a Butterfly Suncatcher</a></p>

<h1>Make Magnetic Words</h1><br/><br />
<p>Work on language and vocabulary skills with this fun project that lets kiddos make their own magnetic word kits.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-your-own-magnetic-word-kit/">How To Make a Magnetic Word Kit</a></p><br />

<h1>Make a Pan Pipe</h1><br/><br />
<p>Give your mini Mozart an additional outlet to shine with this homemade pan pipe that will help to develop rhythm and pitch.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/skill-rhythm-and-pitch/">How To Make a Homemade Pan Pipe</a></p>

<h1>Recycle a T-Shirt Into an Apron</h1> <br />
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<p>This fun, inexpensive, and no-sew activity is eco-friendly; it gives new life to something meant for the trash bin!</p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/recycle-tshirt-into-apron/">Apron from a T-Shirt</a></p>

<h1>Make Your Own Rock Candy</h1><br/><br />
<p>Science has never been sweeter! Kids will have a blast making their own rock candy with this awesome science experiment. (Hopefully they'll share!)</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/sweet-science-make-rock-candy/">How To Make Rock Candy</a></p><br />

<h1>Make Juggling Balls</h1><br/><br />
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<p>These squishy juggle balls are incredibly simple to make. Not only is this a fun thing to do one-on-one, but it also makes an ideal activity (and take-home) for a children’s birthday party.</p><br/><br />
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<p>Get the directions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2012/01/be-the-ringmaster-of-your-own-indoor-circus-diy-juggling-balls/">DIY Juggling Balls</a></p>

<h1>Make Necktie Headbands</h1><br />
<p>We suspect that in the back of Dad’s closet, you’ll find at least one or two old neckties that haven’t made an appearance for a while. Give them a new purpose with this great DIY accessory idea from the crafty Lauryn Clemmer of Love Notes by Lauryn: the necktie headband.</p><br />
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<p>More on this craft: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/08/quick-and-easy-accessory-necktie-headband/">Necktie Headbands</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by Lauryn Clemmer, Love Notes by Lauryn</i></p>

<h1>Make Shirts with Sole</h1><br/><br />
<p>Rather than hitting the mall to update your tween’s already-packed wardrobe with the latest styles, why not try this great “upcycling” idea and have kids put a fresh spin on an old shirt? We found this fashionable DIY idea over on Disney’s Family Fun website. The coolest part? Kids get to customize their tees using a pair of running shoes.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find out more: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/05/fashionable-craft-idea-shirts-with-sole/">Shirts with Sole</a></p><br/><br />
<p><i>Photography by FamilyFun</i></p>

<h1>Make No-Sew Wrist Warmers</h1><br/><br />
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<p>If you've got a budding fashionista at home, they'll love these easy no-sew wrist warmers. All you need is an old sweater and a little creativity. It's a fun and easy way for kids to show off their sense of style!</p><br/><br />
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<p>Get the directions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2012/02/no-sew-wrist-warmers-for-young-enterprising-fashionistas/">No-Sew Wrist Warmers</a></p>

<h1>Make a Rainbow in a Jar</h1><br/><br />
<p>What do you get when you mix coloured chalk, salt and a simple mason jar? An afternoon art project that will keep your kids entertained for hours.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/rainbow-in-a-jar-a-colourful-afternoon-activity/">Rainbow in a Jar Craft</a></p>

<p><h1>Make a Retro Ring Toss Game</h1></p><br />
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<p>Grab a few items from the hardware store to create a super-fun game that will turn your backyard into a mini carnival.</p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-your-own-retro-ring-toss-game/"target="_blank">Get the instructions</a></p>

<h1>Make a Colourful Elephant Chair</h1><br/><br />
<p>Tracing and cutting shapes has never been so much fun! The animal lovers in your home will be delighted with this custom seat craft.</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/create-your-own-elephant-chair-with-these-downloadable-shapes/">Make Your Own Elephant Chair</a></p>

<h1>Icy Sun Catcher</h1><br/><br />
<p>This adorable icy sun catcher from Katie at Capital District Fun is an elegant and enjoyable way to add a hint of colour to those barren winter trees.</p><br/><br />
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<p><b>What you’ll need:</b></p><br />
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• Shoelace or twine<br />
• Disposable pie tin<br />
• Natural materials such as pine cones, pine needles and twigs<br />
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<p>For a more colourful sun catcher, try adding some drops of food colouring to the water before you let it freeze. Pop your icy creation out of the pie tin and hang it in a bright and sunny place to enjoy. Head over to <a href="http://www.capitaldistrictfun.com/2011/02/12/icy-sun-catchers/" target="_blank">Capital District Fun</a> for the full instructions.</p><br />
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<p><em>Photography from Capital District Fun</em></p></br>

<h1>Make a Finger-Woven T-Shirt Necklace</h1><br />
<p>We came across this brilliant (and easy!) craft idea over on The Green Eyed Monster, a site that focuses on DIY fashion and sustainable living, founded by sisters Ash and Kimmy. One of their latest DIY fashion projects will teach you how to craft fun, fashionable necklaces made from cut up old shirts.</p><br />
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<p>More on this craft: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/06/cool-diy-fashion-project-finger-woven-t-shirt-necklaces/">Finger-Woven T-Shirt Necklaces</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by The Green Eyed Monster</i></p>

<h1>Do Batik with the Kids</h1><br/><br />
<p>This cool craft project will teach kids about colour mixing and different art techniques. It works well on everything from pillowcases to custom t-shirts!</p><br/><br />
<p>Find it here: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/cool-decor-craft-idea-batik-for-kids/">Cool Decor Craft: Batik for Kids</a></p><br />

<p><h1>Make a Simple Silhouette Craft</h1></p><br />
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<p>Follow the instructions to make and frame these fun cameo crafts for each member of your family.</p><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/mobile-crafts-cameo-appearances/"target="_blank">Get the instructions</a></p>

<h1>Make some Glow-in-the-Dark Paint</h1><br />
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<p>Add some fun to your painting activities with this easy-to-make glowing paint from <a href="http://www.learnplayimagine.com/">Learn Play Imagine</a>. This craft is perfect for your artistic little one on a rainy night.</p><br />
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<p>To find out how to make your own glowing paint, check out the tutorial at <a href="http://www.learnplayimagine.com/2012/05/homemade-glow-in-dark-paint.html">Learn Play Imagine</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by Allison Sonnier, <a href="http://www.learnplayimagine.com/">Learn Play Imagine.</a></i></p>

<h1>Do Some String Art</h1><br />
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<p>A name, a favourite letter, even a very short saying or small, simple drawing can be done in string.</p><br />
<p>Get the details: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/8-adorable-and-easy-name-art-ideas-for-your-childs-room/slide/cf_name_art_dream_500/">String Art</a></p>

<h1>Make a Pretty Penne Necklace</h1><br />
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<p>This is a good craft project for an older kid who can handle a glue gun without hassle.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/pasta-crafts-go-upscale-with-a-pretty-penne-necklace/">Pretty Penne Necklace</a></p>

<h1>Do Some Monogram Art</h1><br />
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<p>Gather up all those loose buttons (or go to a craft or dollar store and pick up a bag of mis-matched buttons) and a glue gun and you and your little can make a beautiful, personalized piece for their room.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/kids/pregnancy/9-easy-crafts-to-prepare-you-for-babys-arrival/slide/cf_monogram_art_600/">Monogram Art</a></p>

<h1>Make Mini Lanterns</h1><br />
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<p>With a few more months of grey and dreary winter weather on the horizon, it’s time to get creative with colour indoors.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/add-some-cheerful-colour-to-your-childs-room-with-these-diy-mini-lanterns/">Mini Lanterns</a></p>

<h1>Make Your Own Bouncy Ball</h1><br />
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<p>Why fork over your hard-earned dough for plastic bouncy balls for your kids when you can give them the materials and help them make their own?</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/a-craft-idea-thats-just-plain-fun-make-your-own-bouncy-ball/">DIY Bouncy Ball</a></p>

<h1>Make an Airplane Out of a Box</h1><br />
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<p>After all the presents have been unboxed, you're sure to have some cardboard hanging around. Let the kidlets go crazy and build something out of it like this awesome airplane.</p><br />
<p>Get the details: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/6-genius-things-to-make-for-your-kids-with-a-cardboard-box/slide/sizedplane/">Cardboard Airplane</a></p>

<h1>Decorate an Umbrella</h1><br />
<p>Bring a little bit of sunshine and polka dots into the greyness of winter with this awesomely decorated umbrellie</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/rainy-day-craft-polka-dotted-umbrella/">Polka Dot Umbrella</a>

<h1>Do Some Headband Makeovers</h1><br />
<p>We stumbled upon this great DIY headband idea over at MrsPriss.com, where super crafty mom Morgan Gable shares her tutorial for taking an old busted headband and giving it new life by turning into a gorgeous band with a bow.</p><br />
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<p>More on this craft: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/09/back-to-school-craft-idea-diy-headband-makeover/">Headband Makeover</a></p><br />
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<p><i>Photography by Morgan Gable of MrsPriss.com</i></p>

<h1>Do an Origami Family Tree Project</h1><br />
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<p>Origami may be frustrating at first, but it hones logic and quickly grows easier with practice.</p><br />
<p>Get the how-to: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/origami-family-tree-project/">Origami Family Tree</a></p>

<p><h1>Make a Bird House</h1></p><br />
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<p>Create a cute little home for nuthatches, bluebirds, chickadees, tufted titmouses or downy woodpeckers with a gourd and a few easy steps. It's a great gift for anyone with a yard or balcony.</p><br />
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<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/build-your-own-bird-house/"target="_blank">DIY Bird House</a></p>

<h1>Make a Message in a Bottle</h1><br />
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<p>Just think: if you found a 100-year old message in a bottle, what would you like to know about the family that left it behind?</p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/a-fun-activity-for-the-whole-family-message-in-a-bottle/">Message in a Bottle</a></p>

<h1>Make Monogrammed Mugs</h1><br/><br />
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<p>We found this great idea for DIY monogram mugs over at <a href="http://www.designmom.com/" target="_blank">Design Mom</a>, the website of designer and mom <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/designmom" target="_blank">Gabrielle Blair</a>. You can use mugs you already have at home, or check your local thrift store for some second-hand gems.</p><br/><br />
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<p>Get the directions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2011/09/customize-your-coffee-cup-with-these-diy-monogram-mugs/">DIY Monogram Mugs</a></p>

<h1> Make Angel Wings from Doilies</h1><br />
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<p>Make a set of wings that will make even the biggest troublemaker look angelic. </p><br />
<p>Get the instructions: <a href="http://www.canadianfamily.ca/activities/crafts/make-angel-wings-from-doilies/">Doily Angel Wings</a></p>